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Politics & Government

Signs Getting Bigger, Brighter in Des Plaines

Concern over growing trend, Des Plaines more business-friendly, alderman say.

Two more businesses received permission to install larger and brighter signs than allowed by building code at the city council meeting on Monday.

One Des Plaines alderman has voiced concern over the recent increase in approvals of code variances. Variances in code can be applied for if there is a “need” or “undue hardship.”

City council members approved two requests for larger signs and signs with a greater proportion of electronic board space, 7-1, for , 751 West Golf Road, and Royal Touch Car Wash, 2711 Mannheim Road.

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Seventh Ward Alderman Dan Wilson, who voted against the exceptions, said the city works hard to keep Des Plaines attractive by offering grants for renovated storefronts and new awnings.

“I don’t like the direction Des Plaines is moving with its signage,” Wilson said.

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Earlier: .

Other aldermen said the new signs would make Des Plaines more business-friendly and would hopefully attract new businesses.

According to building code, electronic billboards must be a component of a regular sign and not make up more than 30 percent of the entire area. Stand-alone electronic signs are not permitted.

In the Royal Touch Car Wash plan, the electronic portion of the sign would make up 36 percent of the whole sign. First Ward Alderman Patricia Haugeberg said the new sign would be smaller overall than the old sign.

Based on its location, Planet Fitness is allowed to have a 100 square-foot sign, and can request a variance for a 50 percent size increase. Planet Fitness’ plan called for a 150 square-foot sign.

City code about signage has been a hot topic for at least a year, and the opening of has been a part of it. The casino's giant billboards and marquees have set the tone as unique examples of signs in Des Plaines. Aldermen approved revised signage code in September.

Patrick Devereaux, senior vice president of the office park , and is a member of the city’s Economic Development Commission. He worked with council members beginning in 2009 on his business’ application for Des Plaines’ first electronic sign, . Earlier this year .

Other businesses next to Planet Fitness in the Market Place Shopping Center, including Dollar Tree and Party Time Palace, have signs that are 100 square feet or less, according to a memorandum on the request.

Wilson said he’s worried these and other businesses will also want bigger signs.

“Everyone is going to want it,” Wilson said.

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